Many workers’ compensation cases go unapproved for various reasons, including injuries occurring outside the job, the job aggravating preexisting conditions, or a lack of adequate documentation. One of the most critical components of a workers’ compensation case is documentation. And while this is a vital piece to the puzzle, it’s not discussed enough. Let’s talk about the necessary documents for a workers’ comp claim and see if this can alleviate the risk of denial.
Proper Documentation
The first step in the process is documenting the injury and reporting it to your employer. The longer you wait to complete this step, the more challenging things become. A lag in reporting could result in a delay of compensation or decrease the likelihood of approval.
Depending on your state’s guidelines, you should report your injuries to your employer within 30 days of the incident. After your employer receives the report, they are required to provide the proper documents, which include:
- The insurance provider for all workers’ comp claims
- Your state’s workers’ comp board
When all the initial documents are ready, your employer is responsible for providing employee rights information, workers’ comp benefits information, and return-to-work guidelines.
Approval Odds with Documentation
Unfortunately, you have no control over the case once you report your injury. That said, you can increase your approval odds by filing all documents promptly and avoiding omitting information; completing all the documents in their entirety is critical. Any incomplete or missing information can hold up the claim or result in your claim being denied.
Adequate documentation meets the following expectations:
- All reports are thorough, including the date, time, location, and how the incident occurred.
- The information is accurate.
- You do not withhold any part of the paperwork.
Alternative Acceptable Documentation
Aside from completing the necessary documents for a workers’ comp claim, keeping many personal notes can assist you. Logging information such as injury progression, the times you completed documents with your employer, and anybody you speak with regarding the situation, such as legal representatives and human resources personnel, can ensure that you are your best advocate in receiving benefits.
Partner with your employer for more information regarding your state’s guidelines.
